Video Lottery Sees Smoking Ban as Threat

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By Chuck Harmer

Story Created: Dec 16, 2008 at 1:20 PM CST

Story Updated: Dec 16, 2008 at 1:20 PM CST

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - A spokesman for video lottery operators says a move to ban smoking in bars and restaurants is a threat to the industry. Larry Mann says it could reduce gambling and revenue for owners and for the state.

The South Dakota Tobacco-Free Kids Network will ask the Legislature next year to ban smoking in all businesses. Spokeswoman Jennifer Stalley says studies have shown that smoking bans do not affect sales in bars and restaurants.

Legislators considered a smoking ban in 2007. Lawmakers amended the bill to exclude video lottery businesses before killing it all together.

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Tuesday, Dec 16 at 1:41 PM Anonymous wrote ...

if your that lazy and cant step outside to have a cigg you should probably rethink smoking...its not that hard and not that big of a deal...smokers dont get any sympathy from me! i used to skoke and i think the ban would be great for businesses

Tuesday, Dec 16 at 2:23 PM Tim wrote ...

Duh. Of course they are going to lose business. The Indian casino's will profit most from a no smoking policy as they are exempt from following state law regarding a smoking ban. Go to video lottery place and no smoking or go to casino and smoke. The only way SD will ever get a smoking ban is if they do what Iowa did, smoking allowed on casino floor or in SD's case at a video lottery establishment. The state rely's to much on video lottery revenue. Pass a smoking ban and disolve video lottery.

Tuesday, Dec 16 at 7:09 PM Paul Endres wrote ...

I think the smoking ban should of never went into effect anywhere in the USA for the simple fact that smoking was around b4 we were around now who are we to tell people what we can and cant do. If you don't smoke stay out. Its simple scared of dieing than go make peace with yourself and god. cause we all are gonna die its just when God says its our time. Don't like smoke stay out cause there are more smokers in Casinos and Bars than non smokers.

Tuesday, Dec 16 at 7:41 PM Anon wrote ...

Come on! Smoking is the most invasive nasty habit known to man! "Smokers Rights" are you kidding me? That's like saying that a chemical plant has "Dumping Rights" and it's too bad for the people who live near the dumping ground. Smoke in your home,car & outside-but really, why do I have to smell like crap when I go out? And it's not even going out to just the bars, it's going out with my young kids for supper! If California with 31 million people can stop public smoking why can't we SD?!

Tuesday, Dec 16 at 10:57 PM Thomas wrote ...

Jennnifer Stalley is an out and out liar when she says smoking bans do not hurt businesses Having said that, who in their right mind would believe any thing Jennifer Stalley says.

Tuesday, Dec 16 at 11:08 PM Anon wrote ...

Paul, smoking wouldn't be an issue if it didn't directly effect everyone around a smoker. If you and only you would get all the nasty effects of smoking--no one would mind. But tell me why I have to go home smelling and feeling like crap b/c of someone else's actions in a public place? And just because there are more smokers in Bars in Casinos than non-smokers, why does that make it right? That is like saying there are more alcoholics in Bars and Casinos do its ok to drink and drive? ???

Tuesday, Dec 16 at 11:18 PM Musician wrote ...

Patent statements from the antismoking organizations pushing for draconian legislation...here is how it really is... "SHS" never killed any bar workers, but smoking bans have killed their income everywhere that they have come into play. Not to mention what smoking bans have done to devastate live music performance opportunities. In my city yet ANOTHER long standing night club has done away with live music. What gambling options we have in our state has seen decline. Charity bingo especially.

Wednesday, Dec 17 at 12:50 AM History Buff wrote ...

People need to know that Tobacco Free Kids was started & funded by the same foundation that grants money to the American Cancer Society who pays for smoking bans (as far as the general public knows). It all traces to the pharmaceutical industry that MAKES the no smoke products. WAKE UP MEDIA and print THE FULL STORY.

Wednesday, Dec 17 at 6:05 AM Lisa Fender wrote ...

I would like to know just exactly what studies claim that smoking bans don't effect businesses. They always say that and no one asks for proof. If smoking bans don't hurt businesses then someone needs to explain to me the reason why on average when a state gets a ban that within a year 300 or more bars close in a state? Also ETS, well that is another lie. RWJF sure makes good money from bans though.

Wednesday, Dec 17 at 9:22 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Come on people! You are really going to sit there and believe second hand smoke doesn't effect others. Just the smell alone is enough! If I walked into a public place and was able to spray cow manure smell on you because I felt like it, would that be my legal right. NO! Are you going to also say that smoking doesn't kill. My dad was a district sales manager for a major cigarette company for 32 years.... I found him dead from a smoking related heart attack when I was 14!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!

Wednesday, Dec 17 at 11:39 AM MerlinTW wrote ...

Sorry, but Stalley is right. Go to states that have banned smoking in public places and the bars and restaurants are still filled with people. In a lot of cases the business has picked up because the people who couldn't stand the smoke (for personal or health related issues) started going out more. There are rumors of a bar that is currently smoking changing to nonsmoking after the first of the year...If it is true then I will be going there a lot more often.

Thursday, Dec 18 at 8:36 AM Confused?? wrote ...

So, we all know smoking kills. We all know smoking related illnesses are long, painful and excruciating on the entire family effected. Yet, people are defending smoking? What you do in your own home is your business. But exposing innocent people to second hand smoke--even if it's just smelling like crap b/c of going to a place that allows smoking is WRONG! I lived in California and enjoyed going for a drink at a bar since it was no smoking. And everyone I went to was packed! Come On people!!!

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